National HistoryA group of chemical engineering students at the University of Illinois met in 1931 to form an organization which would recognize those juniors and seniors who displayed academic excellence and leadership in their profession. They designed a key, petitioned for and received recognition from the University of Illinois administration, and became the Alpha Chapter of Omega Chi Epsilon. One year later, students at Iowa State University petitioned Alpha Chapter for a charter, which was granted, and the Beta Chapter was formally organized.

By its tenth anniversary, another five chapters had been formed. Records for the thirtieth year (1960-61) show 105 persons initiated from 10 chapters. In its Golden Anniversary year, 1980-81, Omega Chi Epsilon received 705 members from 39 chapters.

The current membership includes over 20,000 men and women from 67 chapters. In 1967, the Society became a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.

Chapter HistoryIn October of 1967, a group of chemical engineering students came to Professor P. T. Eubank, then faculty advisor to Tau Beta Pi, with the idea of forming a separate honorary society limited to chemical engineers. The group operated during the 1968-1969 academic year as Omega Chi Sigma, a Texas A&M University campus organization with Marvin Jones as president. Professor Robert Maddox of Oklahoma State University and the National President of Omega Chi Epsilon visited the group in February of 1969. The national organization was petitioned for a chapter in October of 1969, and the Texas A&M University group became the Rho Chapter of Omega Chi Epsilon in April of 1970.

For a number of years, the Rho Chapter has been one of the largest in membership. The chapter, which is primarily a fraternal organization for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, has also sponsored a number of worthwhile activities.